by: Gary Moyle
So let?s get straight to the point. Is your website breaking the law? Well, in October 2004 we reached the deadline of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), 1995 in which the DDA ordered service providers to make "reasonable adjustments" to the physical features of their premises to ensure the services they provide are accessible to people with disabilities.
The 175 page code of practice for the DDA published in May 2002 specifically mentions websites. The relevant sections are included below.
2.13 - 2.17 (p11-13): ?What services are affected by the Disability Discrimination Act? An airline company provides a flight reservation and booking service to the public on its website. This is a provision of a service and is subject to the act.?
5.23 (p71): ?For people with visual impairments, the range of auxiliary aids or services which it might be reasonable to provide to ensure that services are accessible might include ... accessible websites.?
5.26 (p68): ?For people with hearing disabilities, the range of auxiliary aids or services which it might be reasonable to provide to ensure that services are accessible might include ... accessible websites.?
To elaborate on this some more.
?The duty not to refuse or deliberately not provide a service could apply in a case where a service provider has deliberately chosen not to integrate accessibility into his Web site. This might include where a Flash movie is used, but there is no option for a user with a screen reader to skip it.
? A service provider must not provide a lower standard of service to a disabled person, compared to that offered to an able-bodied person. Thus, where a retailer offers an e-commerce facility in addition to its high street shop, if the Web site is inaccessible then the disabled person will be unable to enjoy the convenience of home shopping and will thus be subject to a lower standard of service. "
Source: Martin Sloan (www.dmag.org.uk)
With the legal side of things out of the way there are a number of important benefits to building an accessible website. There are 8.6 million registered disabled people in the UK , totaling 14% of the population (Source: Disability Rights Commission). Two million people in the UK have sight problems and 9% have some form of colour blindness (Source: Institution of Electrical Engineers). There are also 12 million people aged 60 or over, some 21% of the UK population (Source: UK Government). This eventually means that 48% of the population of the UK, not to mention those of other countries could potentially face problems using a website that does not comply with accessibility guidelines.Therefore producing an accessible website could gain you important commercial benefits in the shape of many new customers.
Accessibility is closely linked to the other standards covered in this section, so much so that the W3C launched the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) in order to advise web agencies of strategies to achieve compliance.
The WAI offers three standardized levels of access, from the readily achieved (Priority 1), to one that requires slightly more work (Priority 2), to a master level (Priority 3). Creative Eye can achieve all of the above
?I own a B2B company and the DDA doesn?t apply to me? I hear you say. Well there are some great reasons for designing with accessibility in mind. Accessibility and web standards are so closely linked that many of the benefits cross over. Some of the many benefits include
Speed of development and updates
Future compatibility with new browsers, PDA?s and mobile devices
Better Search Engine rankings
Read my article ?The business benefits of designing with web standards? at www.webdesigngoldmine.com to find out more.
About The Author
Gary Moyle is the founder of The Web Design Goldmine and has been developing websites since 1999. Visit www.webdesigngoldmine.com for more information and tutorials on designing accessible websites.
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Unleash the Power of Listening
Unleash the Power of Listening
by: Barbara White
A vital skill in becoming an effective communicator is the ability to listen. Listening skills are not taught in school, and sadly are largely undeveloped skill in many people. To listen effectively is a powerful skill that can be learnt and practiced. You will gain more respect and esteem through listening rather than through talking
It?s funny how sometimes you associate a certain phrase with someone. I knew someone called Ray and what I remember about him the most was when he was listening to someone talk he would keep saying ?I hear you? I would wonder whether he was saying that because he heard, but disagreed with what the person was saying, or if it was a noncommittal filler
There is however a great difference between hearing and listening. Hearing refers to the physical dimension of the sound waves striking the ear and the brain processing them into meaningful information. Listening,...
Unleash the Power of Listening
Hearing aids > Unleash the Power of Listening
Quit Smoking - Prepare To Succeed
Quit Smoking - Prepare To Succeed
by: David Olsen
For many smokers the desire to quit smoking is strong?yet it seems no matter what they do, they just can?t seem to break this devastating habit. The inability to quit smoking causes many to privately belittle themselves and curse their seeming weakness.
For others it seems they simply wake up one morning and decide to quit smoking. What makes the difference in these people? Is someone who decides to quit smoking like this a stronger person than the one who has yet to become a non-smoker? Let?s evaluate.
First off, most people even smokers don?t really enjoy smoking. For some the nicotine addiction is strong. Nicotine is very addictive, and breaking this addiction by not smoking can be very trying and difficult. Even after months have passed, there are those who will start smoking again. So, if you?re one who has yet to quit smoking don?t berate or belittle yourself.
By the same token,...
Quit Smoking - Prepare To Succeed
Hearing aids > Quit Smoking - Prepare To Succeed
Golf Swing Aids Aren?t Effective If?
Golf Swing Aids Aren?t Effective If?
by: Mike Pedersen
Golf swing aids are rampant! Every golfer has dozens of them gathering dust in their garages or closets. How many wives have threatened a ?clearing out? of these contraptions? If you are feeling me?keep reading.
Have you purchased golf swing aids only to use them once or twice and not see improvement? Isn?t this an everyday occurrence for golfers? I see and hear this all the time, and yet golfers will continue to spend hundreds of dollars by the ?latest/greatest? gimmick.
I don?t know if they (golfers) think they will find the ?one? training aid that will change their game forever; or they are just trying to take the easy way out?
Either way, the main reason most golf swing aids don?t help is because you are not working on what?s causing your swing faults. You! Your machine (body) dictates your outcome! There?s no way around it!
What your body is capable of in that moment...
Golf Swing Aids Aren?t Effective If?
Hearing aids > Golf Swing Aids Aren?t Effective If?
Viatical Settlements, Or Life Insurance Settlements
Viatical Settlements, Or Life Insurance Settlements
by: Donald Lusan
When I first heard of viatical settlements, or life insurance settlements, I shuddered at such a dastardly idea. I even put into words my deep feelings. You see I spent many years in the life insurance business and have seen the product work for the betterment of so many. I could not conceive of a pleasant result when one deprives the beneficiaries of what was due them. I guess I had not given the idea much thought, thus my extreme response.
Although I still do not feel it right to deprive beneficiaries of their life insurance proceeds so that an insured can get his or her hands on the proceeds of policies during their lifetime through life insurance settlements with investors, after much study and deep thought I can only conclude that there are situations where this is, not only justified, but is absolutely necessary.
If you bring into the picture the unfortunate person...
Viatical Settlements, Or Life Insurance Settlements
Hearing aids > Viatical Settlements, Or Life Insurance Settlements
Hearing Loss is the Number One Disability in the World
Hearing Loss is the Number One Disability in the World
by: Jay Stockman
Hearing loss is prevalent in modern societies as a result of the combined effects of noise, aging, disease, and heredity.
Hearing loss is the number one disability in the world; approximately 28 million Americans suffer some type of hearing loss.
In addition, 15 of every 1000 people under the age of 18 have a hearing loss, and nearly 90% of people over age 80 have a hearing impairment.
The incidence of hearing loss is greater in men, than women. The sad part is, that hearing loss is the most preventable disability in the world.
Hearing is a complicated process involving both the sensitivity of the ear, as well as the ability to understand, and interpret the speech.
When we hear sounds, we really are interpreting patterns of air molecules in the form of waves. . The ear is able to pick up these waves, and convert them into electrical signals...
Hearing aids > Hearing Loss is the Number One Disability in the World
The Positive Effects of Ambient Music
The Positive Effects of Ambient Music
by: Mark Altman
Ambient nature sounds have the ability to aid sleep, reduce stress, and provide a relaxing atmosphere for activities such as yoga, tai-chi, and meditation.
Most of us spend our days surrounded by the sounds of vehicles, televisions, and office machines. Nature sound recordings can offer us an escape from these unnatural surroundings, and allow us to reclaim our balance. Popular sounds used in ambient recordings are: ocean waves, creeks, waterfalls, wind, rain, thunder, and birds. Our sense of hearing can have a strong influence on our emotional health. Through experimentation, you can discover the effects each of these sounds have on your moods and emotions. Because our life experiences and environment are so diverse, each person reacts differently to the various sounds of nature. Below are a number of common benefits that nature sounds may offer:
Consistent sounds, like rain or waterfalls,...
The Positive Effects of Ambient Music
Hearing aids > The Positive Effects of Ambient Music
DUI: What You Need To Know Now!
DUI: What You Need To Know Now!
by: Frederic Madore
DUI. Driving Under Influence.
You've been told a thousand and one times that you shouldn't drive and drink. Or take drugs for that matter. But when you do get into that sticky DUI situation, here are important information that will get you through your ordeal.
Arrested for DUI.
Once you're arrested for DUI, this is what happens. The officer who caught you will immediately send a copy of the suspension or revocation form of your driver's license with your sworn statement ( you'll be made to sign it) to the Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV. DMW reviews the report and if they say the report is good, which is to your disadvantage, you may request a hearing to contest the suspension or revocation.
Confiscated license after the arrest.
Your driver's license will be returned to you at the end of the suspension or revocation, provided that you pay a re-issue fee to the DMV...
DUI: What You Need To Know Now!
Hearing aids > DUI: What You Need To Know Now!
Merit-Based Financial Aid ? a Real Merit To Students
Merit-Based Financial Aid ? a Real Merit To Students
by: Jakob Jelling
Merit-based financial aid is one of the main financial aid packages awarded based on their merit or merit plus of students. Merit-based financial aids usually come from state or federal sources or private sources. These types of financial aid packages are intended to assists students to help their college expenses. Merit-based financial aid need not have to be repaid. The rules and regulations of financial aid packages are based on the federal financial aid rules.
Merit-based financial aids can be obtained based on your performance or talents in a variety of areas such as academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, athletic, leadership, volunteer work, or artistic talent (art, music, or theater). You can also obtain merit-based financial aid if you have any other personal qualities which distinguish you in the applicant pool.
Merit-based financial aid will not...
Merit-Based Financial Aid ? a Real Merit To Students
Hearing aids > Merit-Based Financial Aid ? a Real Merit To Students
Winter Fashion Etiquette
Winter Fashion Etiquette
by: Sher Matsen
Winter can be a busy time ? with Christmas looming, New Year's Eve to celebrate and Valentines Day just around the corner you're going to need to be prepared. So what?s the right winter fashion etiquette for the occasion?
Get together in the near future?
A re-union? Try something in a festive jewel tone and be sure to finish your look with some fabulous shoes and hand bag and don?t forget the jewelry. Add...
Winter Fashion Etiquette Is Your Website Breaking The Law? skirt Hearing aids
Hearing aids > Winter Fashion Etiquette
refinance Is Your Website Breaking The Law? Hearing aids
Auto Refinancing and Car Loan Guide
Auto Refinancing and Car Loan Guide
by: Claire Calkin
This comprehensive car refinancing guide will help you find the best auto refinance package for you. Included are the important steps needed to take to understand car loan refinancing and what you should know if they are considering refinancing your car loan. This site was designed to help with decisions regarding finance and how you can work together with a finance company to find the best option for you...
refinance Auto Refinancing and Car Loan Guide Is Your Website Breaking The Law? Hearing aids
Hearing aids > Auto Refinancing and Car Loan Guide
Selling Your Home ? Be Sure It Shows Well
Selling Your Home ? Be Sure It Shows Well
by: Raynor James
Whether you are selling a house, townhouse, condo or apartment, there are universal tips that will help it sell. Primary among those tips are making sure your home ?shows well.?
First impressions of a home go a long way to determining how quickly it will sell. Here are a few suggestions that will make your home show well.
1. Be sure the approach to your home is clean, tidy and well groomed....
broadway shows
Hearing aids > Selling Your Home ? Be Sure It Shows Well
Children's Entertainment - Who Needs Entertaining?
Children's Entertainment - Who Needs Entertaining?
by: Rachel Branston
What price to entertain our children? How much entertainment do our children need? At the risk of sounding like an old fuddy duddy, how were children entertained a 100 years ago when there were no television or computer games? Very simply I would imagine.
Imagination - The key to all adventures. Babies and small children will play with simple things like empty boxes, clothes pegs...
Children's Entertainment - Who Needs Entertaining?
Hearing aids > Children's Entertainment - Who Needs Entertaining?